r S 8 
TREES AS GOOD CITIZENS 
In removing a decayed or diseased branch, all the 
affected portion should be taken. The cut should be 
through sound wood, at a point back of the trouble, unless 
the decay extends into the trunk, when it will be necessary 
to dig out all the decay and treat it as a cavity. Care 
must be taken to make the removal of a branch in such 
way as will cause no injury 
to the surrounding parts, as 
discussed under pruning, 
and then treat the wound as 
advised for the treatment 
of large wounds in the same 
chapter. The treatments of 
other mechanical injuries 
that may be helped by prun¬ 
ing are discussed in the 
chapter on injuries. 
The splitting of crotches 
must be braced to prevent 
additional splitting and to 
permit healing. If the split 
is an old one, the first step is to remove all decayed or 
diseased wood from the wound, apply an antiseptic wash 
and water-proof the surface by means of an application of 
coal tar. Where there is neither decay nor disease, the 
antiseptic washing will be all that is necessary in this 
preliminary treatment. The next step is to brace the 
split part. In the case of a divided trunk, a single bolt, 
just above the crotch, will suffice if the split is small; while 
for a larger one, it will be found necessary to use one bolt 
at the height of the crotch itself, and a second a foot or 
more higher, regulating the location of the upper bolt by 
the size of the two stems, and their position in relation to 
each other. 
How to attach eyebolt and stranded wire. 
